Can anyone comment on the KTM 690 SMC bike as far as % on road / % offroad? (Assuming for offroad I change the tires to knobbies). I'm considering it as a substitute to my BMW F800GS which I find too heavy and intimidating. I mostly drive on highway, but there are a lot of dirt roads and such. How comfortable is it on long drives? 1000km+ What about mileage per tank?

Any links to reviews, videos etc. would also be appreciated.

Thanks amigos,

Migs

__________________"I consider myself a road man for the lords of karma"~Hunter S Thompson
"He who is not afraid will always be safe." -Lao Tzu
"Do not be bothered by anything."-S. Suzuki

Hi. The problem with suggesting an enduro bike is that I won't be able to drive it 1000km+ on a highway without considerable discomfort. Eduro bikes tend to have very hard suspensions and limited instrumentation and creature comforts (like the BMW F800GS)-Migs

__________________"I consider myself a road man for the lords of karma"~Hunter S Thompson
"He who is not afraid will always be safe." -Lao Tzu
"Do not be bothered by anything."-S. Suzuki

Hi. The problem with suggesting an enduro bike is that I won't be able to drive it 1000km+ on a highway without considerable discomfort. Eduro bikes tend to have very hard suspensions and limited instrumentation and creature comforts (like the BMW F800GS)-Migs

So why did you ask about the SMC? They're the same bike except for wheels, forks, rotors and a few other minor differences.

You need to test ride one to see if it will fit the bill for you. I had an SMC and loved it, but could only stand it for about 90 minutes at a time due to the vibrations even with an aftermarket (SeatConcepts) seat. While I loved that bike for ripping around town, after a while I realized it just wasn't practical for me.

To me, a big single can be just a little too much of a good thing. While the power is great, the vibration at speed can really get old. Having ridden an F800GS for ~500 miles, I'd say it's a much more well-mannered bike, and a lot less of a "ripper". Just make sure the bike you pick suits the actual type of riding your going to do (not the Dakar rally, or some post-apocalypse dream) and you'll be fine.

Also, don't forget the special oil you need to buy when you're factoring in this purchase. I don't like having to buy my oil over the internet (no local KTM dealer), so I'd rather stay with a BMW, Triumph, Honda, etc.

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Agreed, riding it is the only way to determine how you're gonna like it. Now me, I can throw down 300 - 400 mile days in the twisties easily on my 690 E with 17's wheels on it. Vibration doesn't bother me nearly as much as it does some folks. And WSMC is right, very little difference between the Enduro and the SMC.

Agreed, riding it is the only way to determine how you're gonna like it. Now me, I can throw down 300 - 400 mile days in the twisties easily on my 690 E with 17's wheels on it. Vibration doesn't bother me nearly as much as it does some folks. And WSMC is right, very little difference between the Enduro and the SMC.

As for riding the hiway, I don't. Hiways are for cars.

That's fair. Most of my miles are on paved roads going 45-80 mph. If I was cruising country / dirt roads at 50 mph, I would have found the bike more enjoyable.

__________________"A ship in harbor is safe, but that is not what ships are built for." John Shedd DR650 Scrambler Build Thread HerePlease register to be an organ donor at www.DonateLife.net . It only takes about 3 minutes!

I'm telling you, the first time you have to buy bright red 10w50 from the internet, it changes a man....

__________________"A ship in harbor is safe, but that is not what ships are built for." John Shedd DR650 Scrambler Build Thread HerePlease register to be an organ donor at www.DonateLife.net . It only takes about 3 minutes!